Multi-Criteria Spatial Decision Support System DECERNS

Abstract

Land-use planning and environmental management often requires an implementation of both geoyspatial information analysis and value-driven criteria within the decision-making process. DECERNS (Decision Evaluation in Complex Risk Network Systems) is a web-based distributed decision support system for multicriteria analysis of a wide range of spatially-explicit land management alternatives. It integrates mainly basic and some advanced GIS functions and implements several Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methods and tools. DECERNS can also be integrated with a model server containing generic and site specific models for in-depth analysis of project and environmental risks as well as other decision criteria under consideration. This paper provides an overview of the modeling approaches as well as methods and tools used in DECERNS. Application of the DECERNS WebSDSS (Web-based Spatial Decision Support System) for a housing site selection case study is presented.

Multicriteria Decision Analysis in Geographic Information Science

“…3.3.4), with PROMETHEE system as principle software. Yatsalo et al (2010) developed a standalone GIS-MCDA system with the PROMETHEE method as one of the options for performing multicriteria analysis. Indeed, the D-Sight Maps Plugin has the capabilities of displaying alternative decisions on a map and interacting with all the results of the multicriteria analysis.…”

“…This can be attributed to the availability of PROMETHEE software such as the D-Sight system and its earlier versions: PROMCALC and DECISION LAB 2000 (http://www.d-sight.com). The system has been applied to land use planning (Yatsalo et al 2010) and site selection problem (Ishizaka et al 2013). The software is based on the PROMETHEE-GAIA approach (GAIA stands for Geometrical Analysis for Interactive decision Aid), developed by Brans and Mareschal (1994).…”

“…The procedure involves the use of geographical data, the decision maker's preferences, and the integration of the data and preferences according to a specified decision (combination) rule Chakhar and Mousseau 2007;Yatsalo et al 2010;Reynolds and Hessburg 2014). The procedure involves the use of geographical data, the decision maker's preferences, and the integration of the data and preferences according to a specified decision (combination) rule Chakhar and Mousseau 2007;Yatsalo et al 2010;Reynolds and Hessburg 2014).…”

“…Three categories can be identified based on the extent of integration: (i) loose-coupling, (ii) tight-coupling, and (iii) full integration (Goodchild 1992;Nyerges 1992;. This coupling strategy is referred to as a full integration approach (e.g., Yatsalo et al 2010). A tight coupling strategy is based on a single data or model manager and a common user interface.…”

“…One-directional integration provides mechanisms for importing/exporting information via a single flow that originates either in the GIS or MCDA software. While bi-directional integration involves one-time flow of information, dynamic integration allows for a flexible moving of information back and forth between the GIS and MCDA modules according to the user's needs Yatsalo et al 2010). and Malczewski et al (2003) provide examples of the one-directional integration with GIS as the principal software.…”